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Annual Kamehameha Day Celebration Held in U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall
June 10, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hawaii's Congressional delegation offered thoughts on the life and contributions of Hawaii's first king, Kamehameha I, today during ceremonies in the U.S. Capitol. The annual event, which featured hula performances and a traditional lei draping of the Kamehameha statue, was attended by more than three hundred people, including many former Hawaii residents living in the D.C. metropolitan area. "Kamehameha deserves to be remembered as a visionary-an ali'i who was well ahead of his time. He exemplified the resilience of the Hawaiian people in the face of change and adversity. Navigating the unknown and building upon the foundation of his ancestors, to lead the Hawaiian people from a fledgling nation, into a unified and productive society," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka. "Each year following this event, the fragrance of maile and flowers linger in the Capitol. The many leis that will adorn Kamehameha's statue will serve as an important visual reminder to Congress and the American people about the plight of the Hawaiians." "King Kamehameha is well known for uniting the Hawaiian Islands, and, today more than ever, Native Hawaiians must unite. The Native Hawaiian community must come together for the common good of the people, and take control of its future," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. "Native Hawaiians must protect the outstanding and effective programs that the United States Congress has passed into law to assist Native Hawaiians. These Native Hawaiian programs include initiatives involving education, health care, housing, job training, and preservation of the Hawaiian language. All of these programs are vital for a flourishing and vibrant Native Hawaiian community and culture that are the defining features of our nation's 50th state." "Kamehameha is translated to mean ‘the very lonely one' or ‘the one set apart.' His name appropriately defines the caliber of his benevolent leadership that set him apart from all lesser alii of his day," said U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono. "In Statuary Hall where we are gathered today, Kamehameha stands alone as the only statue of royalty, distinguishing himself apart from the many prominent figures that grace these chambers." Although U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie could not attend today's celebration, he sent a 20-foot maile lei from the island of Hawaii and his comments were read to those gathered. "This annual event in the U.S. Capitol underscores the unique place that King Kamehameha the Great and our state hold in our country's history," said Congressman Abercrombie." "Through his roles as a warrior, statesman, and diplomat-and as a contemporary of George Washington, King Kamehameha unified our islands, which gave birth to the Kingdom of Hawaii. We honor his place in history, as part of the only holiday in the U.S. that honors a monarch and his reign in the only state that was once kingdom."
Year: 2008 , [2007] , 2006 , 2005 , 2004 , 2003 , 2002 , 2001 , 2000 , 1999 , 1900
June 2007
- Akaka Disappointed at Collapse of Immigration Reform Bill [June 28, 2007]
- Chairman Akaka Holds Markup of Veterans' Legislation [June 27, 2007]
- Filipino Veterans Equity Legislation Clears Major Legislative Hurdle; Advances to the Full Senate
[June 27, 2007]
- Akaka Announces Legislation to Aid Seamless Transition for Those Leaving Military Service [June 27, 2007]
- Akaka Legislation Re-Opens VA System to All Veterans [June 27, 2007]
- Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Holds Hearing on the Nomination of Charles L. Hopkins III to be VA's Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness [June 27, 2007]
- Akaka & Inouye Help Secure Nearly $1 Million Federal Grant for Hilo Jon Training Center [June 26, 2007]
- Akaka Troubled by Report on U.S. Bird Flu Planning [June 25, 2007]
- Senate Passes Energy Bill with Akaka Amendment to Promote Ocean Renewable Energy Technologies [June 22, 2007]
- Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to Consider Health & Benefits Legislation Wednesday [June 22, 2007]
- Senate Committee Passes Akaka Whistleblower & Manager Training Legislation [June 13, 2007]
- Akaka Chairs Hearing on Employment Needs of Returning Servicemembers [June 13, 2007]
- Wounded Warriors Act Aims to Mend Shortcomings in Care and Treatment of Wounded Soldiers [June 13, 2007]
- Akaka Supports Inouye Bill to Establish a Panel to Study the Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Ancestry [June 13, 2007]
- Akaka Holds Hearing on Telework [June 12, 2007]
- Annual Kamehameha Day Celebration Held in U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall [June 10, 2007]
- Letter from Chairman Akaka Prompts VA to Provide Face-to-Face Assistance for Neighbor Island Veterans [June 8, 2007]
- Chairman Akaka Visits Veterans Court [June 8, 2007]
- Akaka Disappointed in Roadblock to Immigration Reform [June 7, 2007]
- Senate Floor Statement in support of amendment to remove the provisions in the immigration bill relating to Real ID [June 7, 2007]
- Akaka and Craig Urge Increased Funding for VA Research [June 6, 2007]
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